"This is an open case, and our investigators are actively working to identify and apprehend a suspect," Moore said. "Our police and security officers are on heightened alert for any similar activity."

The assault occurred in the second floor women's restroom in Agnes Arnold Hall at 3401 Cullen about 8:10 p.m. while the woman was washing her hands, police said.

The student saw a man standing behind her and started screaming, according to information released at the news conference.

As the man put his hands over her mouth to silence her screams, she kicked him and he ran out of the restroom, police said.

The university notified the campus community of the incident through an email security alert Wednesday night, the release said.

The suspect is described as being dark-skinned and between 18 years old and 25 years old, police said. He was about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed about 140 pounds. He had black hair and brown eyes. He wore a blue hoodie and blue jeans and carried a black messenger-style bag.

The woman was able to escape her attacker. She reported the assault to police about 10 minutes later.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact UH police at 713-743-3333 or police@uh.edu.